IF you are old enough to remember Gerry and the Pacemaker's 'Ferry 'cross the Mersey' then Malvern Rangers players will remember the day when Simon Rea changed the title to 'Ferry 'cross the Severn' as his mode of transport to get from his Worcester-based home to All Blacks pitch by the side of Worcester Athletic track.
ALL BLACKS 0, MALVERN RANGERS 3
Thanks must go to All Blacks and the officials for agreeing to an early kick off as Rangers had a trip to Hall Green Dog Racing in the evening.
This was the first occasion since October that All Blacks had been able to use the ground because of the extensive flooding and whilst the playing surface was in pretty good condition both sides struggled to dominate an uneventful whilst competitive first half in this Worcester League Saturday Premier Division match.
The only significant first half opportunity fell to Rob Perrins in the 23rd minute when he was put clear in on keeper Richard Barry but seemed unaware of the time he had and as a result hit the ball first time but wide of the post.
Twelve minutes into the second half saw Rangers' best move of the match when Steve Hodges played the ball into the feet of Marc Kitchener who played it wide to Steve Rawlings for him to cross to Chris Davis who shot narrowly wide.
Almost immediately Rangers were forced into introducing Chris Postans for the injured Sean Lynch and continued in search of the elusive goal. On 18 minutes Clive Churchill saw his free kick go narrowly wide.
After 24 minutes Rob Perrins had a shot saved by Richard Barry from a quick free kick by Roger Kitchener. However not to be denied just one minute later Rangers opened the scoring. A good through ball by Simon Rea saw Rob Perrins in on goal and when he scored inside the post one could see the obvious joy in opening his account for Rangers.
Just six minutes later and Rangers were 2-0 ahead. Simon Rea headed on to Chris Davis who played the ball through for Rob Perrins to finish well to double his account.
After 42 minutes another good move involving Steve Hodges, Steve Rawlings and Rob Perrins saw Marc Kitchener force a fruitless corner but two minutes later the scoring was completed when Marc Kitchener sent Steve Rawlings clear, he carried the ball on before scoring inside the near post for his first goal of the season.
Mark Langfield worked hard for All Blacks and he and his team mates probably feel a bit hard done by by the scoreline.
Man of the Match was Chris Davis.
Rangers, sponsored by the Three Horseshoes, are away to Bishampton tomorrow (Saturday) for a Premier Division fixture but the venue is uncertain as to whether it will be at Bishampton or Lower Moor due to the foot and mouth problem. In any event players to meet at Brooklyn Motors 1.30pm for 3pm kick off.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article